Browns Linked to Trade Talks for Projected $93 Million Wide Receiver

The Cleveland Browns finished as the second-worst team in the NFL last season and projections for the 2025 campaign aren’t markedly better across the board.

Cleveland has a good deal of money tied up in a handful of players, including two years remaining on the worst contract in the league, which belongs to currently injured quarterback Deshaun Watson. The team’s salary cap woes won’t relent for several seasons, though there is hope for some relief in the rookie QB duo of Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

If one, or both, can prove himself a viable starter then the Browns will be able to focus their financial efforts away from what always eventually becomes the most expensive position on a roster. Watson’s deal will negate some of that, but planning for the future in the fashion that Cleveland is will demand the franchise spend to help Gabriel and/or Sanders by adding legitimate weapons to the pass attack.

Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy put up a career year in 2024, though he is on the lower end of No. 1 wideouts across the league based on recent production and career resumé. Tight end David Njoku proved highly valuable in 2023, earning his first ever Pro Bowl nod, but injuries caught up with him last season.

The receiver position is one of obvious, which has led to speculation among media members who cover the organization as to whether Cleveland might look to trade for a pass-catcher before the summer is out.

Curtiss Brown of SB Nation floated three potential targets on June 12, including a blockbuster option in Washington Commanders star receiver Terry McLaurin.

Terry McLaurin Among Most Consistent, Quality WRs in NFL Over Past 5 Years

Getty| Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

The Commanders surged after drafting rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick last year, playing their way into the NFC Championship Game. McLaurin was the best and most utilized receiver on the roster, so the idea that Washington would get rid of him is moderately ridiculous on its face.

That said, the context surrounding McLaurin renders the possibility of a trade less outlandish depending on how extension conversations develop.

McLaurin, who will play next season at 30 years old, is entering the final campaign of a $68 million contract, and Spotrac projects his market value at north of $93 million over a new three-year deal. Recent reports indicate McLaurin and the Commanders are having trouble finding common ground on the details of a new contract, which could provide an opening for a motivated team to swoop in and make an offer.

A two-time Pro Bowler, McLaurin hasn’t missed a game in four years. He has also recorded over 1,000 yards receiving in five of his six NFL seasons and set a career-high with 13 TD receptions in 2025.

Commanders’ Lack of WR Depth Makes Terry McLaurin Trade With Browns Less Likely

Getty| Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

Brown made his pitch for a Cleveland-Washington trade based on the notion that the Commanders will be careful not to overspend on an aging wideout after trading for a second one in 29-year-old Deebo Samuel earlier this offseason.

“Last year was a career one for McLaurin as he finally has stability at the quarterback position in rookie Jayden Daniels,” Brown wrote. “Reliable hands and solid route runner, McLaurin is underappreciated around the league. McLaurin hasn’t requested a trade yet, but if he does, don’t be surprised if [Browns GM Andrew] Berry chooses to interject. Trading for McLaurin would be difficult considering his age and price range, but you never know.”

Washington isn’t particularly deep at the position, with veteran Noah Brown and second-year wideout Luke McCaffrey as arguably the Nos. 3 and 4 receivers on the roster. As such, it is difficult to see the Commanders even considering a trade of McLaurin for less than a monster haul from Cleveland and without a rock solid backup plan in place.